As you know, we frequently make updates to the site rules to simply clarify an existing rule but, on occasion, we must change a rule entirely to limit the posting of material that has become problematic and, as always, I am here today to notify you of one of those changes. Fun, huh? Sorry.

Rule 5 under our Submission Guidelines header deals with sensitive material. The themes held underneath this rule include sexual assault, child abuse, spousal abuse, suicide, self-mutilation, bestiality, relationships between adults and minors or students and teachers, as well as forced and arranged marriages. This list is not, however, inclusive, it simply presents the issues or themes we see most commonly. Additional rules may be imposed for other story themes.

The Site Rules reads as follows:

5. Your submission contained disallowed or inappropriately handled sensitive themes.

Listed below are some of the most common plot themes that present an issue for validators but this list is not inclusive. If you plan to include a sensitive plotline in your story, please contact the staff for clarification geared toward the context of your specific story. What constitutes a sensitive theme is fully at the discretion of the HPFF Staff.

Sexual Assault, Child Abuse & Spousal Abuse
We do not allow descriptions or depictions of sexual or intimate violence. Allusions (i.e., to refer to in a historical context to sexual assault (including attempted assault) are permitted so long as the references are not graphic or glorifying in nature. The same rule stands for abuse. Child and spousal abuse are defined as physical abuse or excessive emotional abuse. Stories containing such themes must be rated M and carry the warnings for Strong Violence and Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme.

Suicide & Self-Mutilation
Depictions of suicide and self-mutilation are very closely monitored and final decisions on suitability will be made by HPFF staff. Depictions may not be considered graphic or glorifying of the act and any story containing any descriptions or conversation of said acts must be rated M with attached warnings of Strong Violence and Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme.

Bestiality, Incest, Adult/Minor & Student/Teacher
Bestiality and relationships between adults and minors or students and teachers are not permitted. For more information on our relationship rules, please view the breakdown, which can be found here. Incest is, in pureblood families, a somewhat trickier area and, for your easy, a near complete list of the many ships of Potterverse can be found here at our forums and denotes what ships are disallowed and what ships are permitted.

Forced/Arranged Marriages
A marriage arranged or forced between characters that have not yet “come of age” (i.e., are not yet 17) will not be permitted on this archive. With that said – the difference between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage can be a fine line and, thus, will be up to the discretion of the staff member validating your story. If you wish to inquire about a particular context or situation, please feel free to contact any member of our staff for assistance.

Major Changes:
The rules above are not drastically different from those that the Site Rules previously held but, in addition to clarifications made to existing rules, the following rules have been added or changed.

Sexual Assault:
Previously, references to rape or sexual assault were permitted in stories rated M and 15+. As of this date, July 19, 2006, any story present on the archive or submitted to the queue containing an allusion to sexual assault or intimate violence will require a rating of Mature Teen. Stories found on the archive that have already been posted will have their status changed to “hidden” and will not be made visible again until the scene has been removed or the rating changed to M.

Child & Spousal Abuse
While the staff have always taken careful discretion over stories involving child and/or spousal abuse, this is the first time the HPFF staff have specifically defined the issue in the Site Rules/TOS. Stories may not contain child or spousal abuse that is currently taking place but may only make allusions to the behavior (i.e., reference in a historical context.) Stories containing child or spousal abuse must be rated M and include the warnings Strong Violence and Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme. Any story present on the archive or submitted to the queue containing these themes will have it’s status changed to “hidden.” At that point, the author will be responsible for removing or toning down the scene of the violence (where necessary) and increasing the warning to Mature Teen.

Suicide and Self-Mutilation
While this subject has always been closely monitored, the staff has elected to insist that any description, depiction or discussion of suicide and self-mutilation mandate a rating of Mature Teen. (Previously, certain descriptions, depictions and discussions were allowed in stories rated 15+) Any story present on the archive or submitted to the queue containing suicide and self-mutilation must be rated Mature Teen and include appropriate warnings. If stories that do not meet these requirements are found on the archive, the story will have it’s status changed to “hidden” and the author will then be asked to make the necessary changes, be they removing or toning down the scenes or simply adjusting the rating.

Forced/Arranged Marriages
Forced and arranged marriages are an issue the HPFF staff has always watched closely but it is not until recently that our rules regarding forced and arranged marriages have been defined.. Any story found on the archive that includes individuals under the age of 17 made to marry will be hidden and the author will be responsible for making changes to ensure that the story is suitable for the site. Additionally, any story dealing with a marriage that is forced rather than arranged may be rejected or hidden by staff.

What To Do?
If you have a story containing any of these themes or that you worry may present a conflict with any of the rules, please feel free to contact a staff member. We are always happy to answer your questions and, in cases like this, are happy to review your stories and give advice on what changes need to be made to make your story acceptable.

Thanks for working with us everybody!